2006 Mid America Motorworks Funfest - Close To The Fest

HIS Helicopter Service had long lines of eager customers awaiting a bird's-eye view of the festivities below. From the jump seat, it is evident why so many enjoyed the ride.

Each September, just as most folks around the country are winding down their summer enjoyment of America's sports car, Mid America Motorworks' founder and "Chief Cheerleader" Mike Yager throws an end-of-the-season appreciation party for his loyal customers. Since its debut in 1994, this Corvette-themed extravaganza-appropriately called "Funfest"-has evolved into one of the hobby's marquee events.

For 2006, Mike, his wife, Laurie, and their sons, Mike and Blake, took on the daunting task of topping last year's 'fest, which drew some 13,000 Corvettes and more than 30,000 attendees. They didn't disappoint, as the '06 attendance figures showed that more than 14,000 Corvettes and 45,000-plus visitors converged on MAM's sprawling corporate campus in Effingham, Illinois.

3/10

To be sure, there was no shortage of activities over the course of the three-day event. Numerous seminars-presented by GM designers, aftermarket-parts manufacturers, Corvette engineers, and experts from the Mid America Motorworks staff-gave attendees a rare opportunity to interact with the people who directly influence Corvette history. For classic-Corvette buffs, there were several new collector vehicles to see in MAM's "MY Garage" Museum, including the Bill Mitchell-designed '64 World's Fair GM Styling Corvette. As the "theme car" of Funfest '06, this distinctive-looking midyear was the event's centerpiece and true star.

For fans of performance tweaking, there was a special perk: Most of the vendors whose products are available through the Mid America Motorworks catalog were on hand to promote their wares and even install them for free, save for a nominal labor fee for more-involved procedures. Many attendees had exhaust systems, cold-air intakes, and even upgraded brakes bolted on at the "Install Alley" area while they waited. As is its custom during Funfest, MAM offered a 10 percent discount on all items purchased during the weekend and free shipping for parts not installed on site.

7/10

The seminar on the'03 C5-R season was one of the weekend's most popular. Whenever owner Bob Patrella fired up one of the cars, scores of show-goers found their way to the tent for a closer look. The sound these powerhouses make when idling or running through the revs is indescribable.

Speaking of aftermarket modifications, Mid America Motorworks used this year's Funfest to officially announce the opening of its Installation & Restyling Center. This shop will provide professional installation services on all MAM products sold throughout the year.

Unlike most shows, not all the goings-on at Funfest were limited to daylight hours. Friday night brought an exclusive automotive-art exhibit and charity silent auction, held at the Yagers' home. The following evening, the MAM crew pulled out all the stops and entertained more than 20,000 people with a pair of bands, one of them being multi-platinum rockers and Illinois natives REO Speedwagon.

Activities continued through Sunday with a second car show, more seminars, and special celebrations by more than 50 car clubs that attended from around the country. Members of the Grand Sport Registry attended en masse to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the '96 GS's release. There were even several '63 Grand Sport Replicas on hand to provide historical context.

Given that Funfest has become one of the largest Corvette events in the country, it wasn't surprising that the show was well attended by luminaries from the Corvette world. Throughout the long weekend, anyone could rub shoulders with and even obtain autographs from leading authors, serious collectors, current and former GM engineers, and automotive-television personalities.

The hosts of My Classic Car and Car Crazy-both weekly shows on the SPEED Channel-were in attendance, as was Corvette Assembly Plant Manager Wil Cooksey. Cooksey drove up in a wicked, black '07 Z06, accompanied by a hauler full of new Vettes and several Vette-based Cadillac XLRs. The cars gave Funfest attendees a chance to better familiarize themselves with these two platform mates, both of which represent the flagship models of their respective divisions.

If you've never attended Funfest, make a point of doing so this year. The event will take place September 21-23, 2007, and registration is free if completed prior to September 1, 2007. We'll see you there.

MORE PHOTOS

VIEW FULL GALLERY

xclose

2006 Mid America Motorworks Funfest - Close To The Fest

HIS Helicopter Service had long lines of eager customers awaiting a bird's-eye view of the festivities below. From the jump seat, it is evident why so many enjoyed the ride.

Mod-happy Vette owners kept the Install Alley crews busy all weekend long. Here, a Corsa tech installs one of the company's converter-back systems on a C6.

One of the many proud car-show winners accepts a glass-cut trophy from Mike Yager (far left) himself.

Many rare Corvettes found their way to Effingham, Illinois, including this one-of-a-kind Motion Moray GT, featured in our Feb. '07 issue ("Motion Slickness," p. 16).

The seminar on the'03 C5-R season was one of the weekend's most popular. Whenever owner Bob Patrella fired up one of the cars, scores of show-goers found their way to the tent for a closer look. The sound these powerhouses make when idling or running through the revs is indescribable.

There were always long lines outside the MY (Mike Yager) Garage Museum, but no one seemed to mind. This shot of the museum's cavernous interior shows why.

Dozens of members of the Grand Sport Registry turned out to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the '96 edition's release.

Not all of the Vettes at Funfest were of the restored variety. This drag-prepped midyear represents one of the more extreme examples.

Check out Todd Nelson's 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS! This car has a clean and sleek personality, from the beautiful black-as-night exterior paint to the flawless high quality leather interior. » Read More

Most people look past the small 4.8L engine and go straight for the bigger ones. In this Little LS Slugfest, we compare both stock and modified versions of the 4.8L and 5.3L engines, now you be the judge! » Read More